ISLAMABAD: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken a cautious approach regarding its upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan, originally slated to begin on 25 May, amid ongoing regional tensions.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, the BCB confirmed it is actively liaising with both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad to ensure the safety of its players currently competing in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10.
Bangladeshi leg-spinner Rishad Hossain (Lahore Qalandars) and fast bowler Nahid Rana (Peshawar Zalmi) are the two players presently involved in the PSL.
“The BCB is in constant communication with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad to make sure all necessary precautions are taken to safeguard our players,” the board stated in a release.
Final decision
BCB President Faruque Ahmed, speaking to a local sports outlet, said the board is closely observing the developing situation and intends to wait a few more days before making a final decision on the tour.
“We are monitoring the situation closely regarding the T20I series in Pakistan, and we feel it is prudent to wait another three to four days,” Faruque remarked.
“At present, our primary concern lies with the two players—Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain—who are currently in Pakistan participating in the PSL.”
Despite the uncertainty, it is notable that the BCB has already named a 16-man squad for both the UAE and Pakistan T20I series, appointing Litton Das as captain and Mahedi Hasan as vice-captain.
The team is scheduled to travel first to the United Arab Emirates for a short T20I series, with two matches set to be played in Sharjah on 17 and 19 May.
The five-match T20I series in Pakistan is, for now, planned to take place from 25 May to 3 June.
Bangladesh T20I squad for UAE and Pakistan tours
Litton Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-captain), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam.
